Digital Life Hacks: Top 4 tips to prolong your gadget’s battery life

As almost every user of digital gadgets already knows, every device from mobile phones and tablets to computers has a finite lifespan. After two or three years of constant recharging, the battery life dwindles, draining faster and taking longer to fill back up again. But don’t consign yourself to shelling out money for yet another new gadget though, there are ways to increase the life cycle of your electronics. Here are our top four tips to prolonging your gadget’s battery life.

Avoid full charges and discharges

As with everything in life, extremes are not your friend. Pushing your phone to a full 100 percent places stress on its battery life, causing it to become less efficient in the long run. On the flip side, letting it dwindle down to nothing and letting the battery die is also not recommended either. Instead, opt for short but frequent shallow charges and keep your device in that sweetspot between 50 percent to 90 percent.

Don’t leave your device plugged in

If you do like the safety of having a device fully charged – and let’s face it, many do – disconnect it immediately afterwards. Having the battery continually try to top itself up at full power levels causes its lifespan to shorten considerably.

Perform monthly battery maintenance

While shallow charges are the recommended norm, you should occasionally allow your battery life to deplete itself in order to maintain its ability to self-assess its productivity. This is what allows that useful “estimated battery time remaining” indicator to remain as accurate as possible.

Avoid extreme temperatures

Lithium ion batteries do not like extreme temperatures, so avoid leaving them out in direct sunlight, next to heaters or in chilly rooms. In particular, avoid charging your device in warm spaces, as it’s likely to cause overheating and a major sapping of your battery’s efficiency.

Wacaco Nanopresso: Make the perfect espresso wherever you go

There’s something ritualistic about brewing your own espresso, whether it’s that first cuppa in the morning, or an afternoon pick-me-up. From the perfect temperature to the perfect bean, everyone likes their shot of java made in a certain way. But what do you do when you’re away from the comforts of home, or outside of walking distance from your favoured coffeehouse? That’s where the new Wacaco Nanopresso comes in.

Hailed as being an all-in-one portable espresso machine, the Nanopresso boasts some impressive specs, all without the need for any electricity. Its patented pumping system means that when you flex your muscles, the machine is capable of reaching up to 261 PSI of stable pressure – in layman’s terms, that’s more pressure than most home espresso machines can deliver – all while requiring 15 percent less force to pump than its predecessors.

What’s more, at 15.6cm long and just 336 grams, the Wacaco Nanopresso (US$64.90) is the perfect travel companion whether you’re off on a jetsetting trip around the world, or merely heading to Ma On Shan for an afternoon of hiking. It comes with a handy hard case to protect it from unwanted bumps and bruises, and even has a detachable cup. All you need for your next caffeinated cuppa is some ground coffee and hot water.

The Game Changer: The Sennheiser HD 820 headphones is mind-blowing

Lovingly handcrafted at Sennheiser’s headquarters in Wedemark, Germany, the Sennheiser HD 820 headphones set a new benchmark of circum-aural sound quality previously thought impossible in a closed-back creation.

Crafted with the premium German audio solutions brand’s renowned craftsmanship and attention to detail, this innovative model delivers pristinely transparent sound thanks to a unique glass transducer cover, which cancels out resonances to ensure remarkably realistic and natural playback.

Given the ‘closed environment’ experience provided by the premium Sennheiser HD 820 headphones, it’s capable of delivering perfect audio playback whether you’re at work, at home or on the go. Melding sleek design specs with top-notch technical know-how, these cutting-edge headphones are sure to captivate even the most discerning of audio enthusiasts.

Is the Deesse Pro LED Mask beauty-tech gadget really worth US$2,300?

If its website is to be believed, skincare expert Deesse Pro claims to have found a high-tech way to combat wrinkles, crow’s feet and a whole host of other dermatological problems with the Deesse Pro LED Mask.

According to its website, this particular gadget ‘provides a safe, pain-free way to achieve naturally vibrant and clearer skin’. In a move more suited to sci-fi movies than beauty treatments, the mask utilises low-level light therapy through the medical-grade LED (light emitting diodes) mounted on its interior surface. These tiny bulbs emit different wavelengths of light that are, supposedly, clinically proven to rejuvenate the skin.

Eight different treatment modes are available that utilise five different light wavelengths, including anti-ageing, purifying, detoxifying, brightening, calming and more.

Think it sounds too good to be true? Well, there’s at least one vocal celebrity expert who’s a big fan –aesthetician-to-the-stars Shani Darden, who services famous faces of such Hollywood luminaries as Jessica Alba, Emma Stone, and Chrissy Teigen. Other famous endorsers include Kim Kardashian, Kate Hudson and Madonna, herself.

But with a staggering price tag of US$2,300, is it truly worth shelling out so much cash to add the Deese Pro LED Mask to your home beauty kit? After all, just because celebrities like Jessica Alba expound the benefits of light therapy, it doesn’t mean you’ll get equally A-list skin. So then, in the end, perhaps it’s better to err on the side of caution and opt for more tried-and-true traditional, holistic treatments instead.

Moleskine Smart Writing Set is giving the notebook a digital makeover

While two-in-one laptop-cum-tablets are nothing new, there are plenty who still yearn for the old-school feel of putting pen to paper while jotting down your thoughts and sketches. For these writing fans, there may just be a 21st century solution waiting in the wings that perfectly blends the analogue feel of a written word with a digital-age convenience – the Moleskine Smart Writing Set.

Inside the package you’ll find one Paper Tablet (with actual sheets of paper dotted in a grid pattern), a smart pen and one ink refill. The smart pen comes equipped with an infrared camera that tracks your movement as you write on the Paper Tablet, transmitting it to your mobile device stroke for stroke via the companion app. From there, digitally editing, saving and sharing your notes are a breeze.

In terms of size, the paper tablet of the Moleskine Smart Writing Set is the same size as a standard notebook, although the paper pages may jut over the edge. Once they’re used up, you have to buy another of the brand’s proprietary Paper Tablet for US$29.95. It’s not cheap, but it’s the equivalent pricing of its analogue notebooks. The ink refills, thankfully, are standard from pen maker Zebra, and can be bought at almost any stationery shop.

Watch the video above to see how the Moleskine Smart Writing Set works. To purchase the US$199 package, visit this site.

Moodo Fragrance Mixer brings fresh scents to your home

Forget about old-fashioned candles and analogue incense sticks, because there’s a handy new smart gadget that’s giving fragrances a much-needed 21st century makeover – the Moodo Fragrance Mixer.

The brainchild of Israeli-based gadget company Moodo, the Fragrance Mixer offers a four unique scents – Orange Sunrise, Precious Spices, Grandma Vanilla and Midnight Trill – which you can activate remotely or in person via the companion app on your mobile phone or tablet.

Want a citrus-infused kitchen to wake up to on the weekend? Not a problem. Want to give your kids an extra aromatic nudge to fall asleep? You can schedule that in too. In fact, the no-frills Moodo Fragrance Mixer delivers exactly what it promises to do – a high-tech, efficient means of brightening up your home with some exotic scents.

But it doesn’t come cheap. The starter kit, which includes the machine and 12 scent capsules, costs US$189. Thereafter, each pack of four capsules will set you back US$29.

iRobot Roomba 671: Should you buy this robot vacuum?

The iRobot Roomba 671 is, as one might infer from its name, a robot vacuum that cleans your floors automatically and without any input from its human master. Part of a whole wave of automated home cleaning gadgets that seem to have burst onto the market in recent years, this model is particularly user-friendly, and doesn’t have a price tag that makes your eyes water either.

With a full charge, the iRobot Roomba 671 is capable of cleaning and sweeping your floors for about 90 minutes straight. While it may not seem too long, or be powerful enough to clean an entire mansion, its battery life is actually pretty much on par with even pricier models.

Featuring built-in Wifi capabilities, owners can target specific areas of their home via the companion mobile app, and also schedule the vacuuming schedule for when folks are out of the house – a great way to make sure it doesn’t get underfoot. What’s more, it’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Home devices, making it even easier to control.

A word of caution though. The Robot Roomba 671 doesn’t like carpets – particularly shag rugs – so if your home is filled with these floor accessories, perhaps give the US$229 gadget a miss. But if you abhor sweeping or vacuuming, this handy automated device might be just the thing.

SQRDUP: Up your golfing accuracy with this handy little gadget

As one of the Professional Golf Association of America’s former Teachers of the Year, you’d expect Dr Jim Suttie to know a thing or two about putter best practices while having a nice line in nine-iron improvement techniques. When he chooses to give his blessing to a new gadget – SQRDUP – said to guarantee an upswing to your golf game, you’re going to take him seriously, then, even if you suspect he might have been bunged a few dollars by the manufacturers to exercise his endorsement in their general direction.

While bearing this unworthy reservation in mind, the good doctor certainly seems smitten with this particular golf alignment aid, the latest in on-green training technology from the eponymous Georgia-based sports technology specialist. Addressing its many benefits, Suttie explains: “Research has proven that 85 percent of golf swing learning is visual. This being the case, the SQRDUP alignment tool does a better job of giving feedback on your alignment than any tool I have used in my last 40 years of teaching.”

Blimey. He certainly seems to be convinced. If you share this eminent golfologist’s belief that laser alignment technology is the best way to improve your swing, then you can pick up SQRDUP’s debut product for just US$189, which also gets you a tripod, a power cable and a carrybag.

Tent Tech: Cinch! offers well-pampered, uncramped camping…

Cramped quarters, shared body odours and long, dark treks to the nearest chemical toilet are just the headline unpleasantries that are seen as the true hallmarks of any camping holiday. All that, though, may be about to be consigned to the past thanks to a new line of innovative smart tents all rolled out under the reassuring Cinch! branding.

Originally launched back in 2009 by Jake Jackson, a UK-based outdoor enthusiast, the line has proved a runaway success. With his initial concept now having undergone four substantial upgrades, each more tech-savvy than the last, this latest generation is said to make good on his promise that camping doesn’t necessarily require you to forsake all of your technological home comforts.

In line with this, each Cinch! tent – when fully-equipped with all the recommended accessories – sees life under canvas given a truly 21st century makeover. LED ceiling lights? Check. Climate control? Check. USB charging capabilities? Check. Better yet, all this electro-connectiveness is powered by the hyper-efficient solar panels lining the tent roof, with 13,000mAh portable battery pack available as a handy back-up.

Given that these tents can ‘pop-up’ and be dismantled in mere seconds, all of those truly opposed to getting back to nature are going to have to work far harder on their excuses in future.

Nadi X smart yoga pants might be your next (digital) yoga guru

Whether you’re a time-pressed professional or a kid-juggling homemaker, it’s always a struggle to schedule in some solo time to catch that much-needed yoga class. But your days of chaotic gym commutes may soon be over, thanks to the newly announced Nadi X smart yoga pants.

This nifty piece of tech is, as its name suggests, a wearable, portable yoga instructor. Designed by Australia-born, New York-based fashion tech company Wearable X, the Nadi X innovatively blends fashion savvy with digital know-how, packing an all-knowing yoga guru right into your leggings. It’s the first-ever washable smart yoga pants in the world.

Wearable tech has been woven into the pant material, including accelerometers and haptic feedback sensors at the ankles, hips and knees that scan biometric data as you perform poses. It then vibrates in the appropriate locations to nudge you into the perfect posture. When paired with the companion Nadi X app via Bluetooth, users can even track their progress, access a library of yoga poses as well as an auditory coach to talk you through more challenging contortions.

This piece of digital-friendly couture doesn’t come cheap, clocking in at US$250 per piece. But when compared to the money you already spend on gym memberships or personal instructors, perhaps it’s a savvier solution in the long run.